Oxford OH : Ohio

What it's Like to Retire in Oxford OH

Oxford, Ohio, with its 21,300 residents and 16,000 Miami University students, is an undiscovered college town treasure. Oxford is famous for the small town feel of its historic Mile Square, the pre-World War II residential area of Oxford. It is also known for its pastoral and forested setting. It is a pleasant walk to the Miami University campus or the charming Uptown area for the weekly Summer Music Festival, dinner at a wide range of restaurants and bistros, shopping, a movie or the one of the city's two farmers markets. Oxford is served by the Talawanda School District and ranks high in K-12 public education. It has a wonderful library, the Lane Public Library, with exceptional programs for children. The Oxford Community Arts Center is a great cultural asset. Five miles outside of town is Hueston Woods State Park with nearly 3,000 acres of natural resources. It offers outdoor recreational opportunities including hiking, fishing, sailing, canoing, and – unusual -- fossil hunting. There are over 1,000 acres of natural preserves on Miami University's campus open to the public. If you are looking for the quintessential college town, you've found the place in Oxford. Photo of downtown Oxford square courtesy of Wikipedia and Chris Light.

Where to Retire in Oxford OH and Home Prices

Active adults who choose to retire in Oxford can live in the charming town or select a development or 55+ community out of town. They will find it to be reasonably affordable. Zillow reports the median home value was $185,000 in mid-2017.

What is special about Oxford OH

Oxford truly is a small college town, with world-class activities, and a friendly connectedness not often found in today's communities. The presence of Miami University makes Oxford a fun and exciting place to live. President Benjamin Harrison was from Miami.

What is not special about Oxford OH

Housing in an established pre-WWII neighborhood is difficult to find, but the warmth of the community makes it appealing even to those who would prefer to live in an older home. (We do have a variety of very nice post-war neighborhoods and new neighborhood developments, however.)

Who will like retirement in Oxford OH

The city of Oxford, Ohio appeals to a wide variety of people including obviously, college students, retirees, and alumni. Post-college singles may find it a bit of a challenge, but it is an easy drive to the Cincinnati metro area.

Local economy is driven by

The university, obviously, but Oxford also is home to a number of entrepreneurial start-ups that have found the town and it's surroundings a perfect place to begin a business in an environment with overhead much lower than the coasts or large cities. For more information about what it is like to retire in Ohio
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Climate and Physical Environment

Oxford is located in Southwestern Ohio, where the farmlands of the plains and the hills of of the Ohio Valley meet. Average July high is 88 and average January low is 20. May is the rainiest month.View Google Map for Oxford Ohio For Ohio Craigslist

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

From community theater and arts, to international entertainment sponsored by the university, Oxford offers a full spectrum of cultural opportunities. For retirees, Miami's Institute for Learning in Retirement is one of the fastest growing in the region. The Cincinnati area fills out the offerings with everything one would expect from a major metropolitan area. Miami University's Office of Continuing Education offers a variety of non-credit classes to the public, a nationally known Crafts Summer program focusing on crafts and fine arts, and a stellar Institute for Learning in Retirement.

Crime

The crime rate is well below average.

Medical facilities

Oxford's local hospital has capabilities more like those one would expect in a much larger city. The Cincinnati area offers a full range of specialists and nationally-recognized medical facilities.

Transportation

Oxford is less than an hour's drive from both the Cincinnati and Dayton airports. It is located within an easy drive of major interstates.

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What people are saying about Oxford OH

19-year resident posts on living in Oxford

I'm not retired yet, but over 50 - so I'm taking a minute to give my impression of Oxford. I've lived here since 1990.
I think that for a wide variety of people Oxford offers a good opportunity to take advantage great opportunities.
There's plenty of activities to choose from, and the selection seems to keep increasing. Ten years ago the university began an Institute for Learning in Retirement. I know from friends who are actively participating in the ILR that this can be a great icebreaker for people new to the community. If you don't already know about non-credit ILR's you really should check them out if you're considering a community for retirement.
As ex-Wisconsinites, we find the full range of seasons here - but the winters are very mild (by comparison), and spring and fall seem to go on forever. Hard to beat that combo.
I'd definitely recommend looking into what Oxford has to offer if you're thinking about relocating in retirement. Small college town, respected university, lots of outdoor recreation options, and a short drive from Cincinnati.

Posted by ctl on March 17, 2008

Oxford may not be perfect, but it truly is a nice place
for any stage of life. I keep hearing from people all over the country, what are the great college towns, i would really like to live in one. For someone looking for the college town experience and all the wonderful things they have to offer - Oxford is one of the best.

Posted by go2guy on March 17, 2008

The previous poster must be the President of the Oxford Chamber of Commerce.
Don't be fooled---this place ain't so great for mature human beings.
Most goods and services one would expect to find in a city of this size are not available locally, necessitating a trip to Cincinnati (35 miles away) or Dayton (50 miles).

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